National Parks: America's Best Idea"Great Nature (1933-1945)"
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) members during the Great Depression work on major renovation projects in the parks. NPS biologist George Melendez Wright pushes to reform wildlife policies. Congress narrowly approves Everglades National Park. During World War II, Roosevelt is pressured to open the parks to mining, grazing and lumbering. The president also is subjected to a storm of criticism for expanding Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming by accepting a gift of land from John D. Rockefeller Jr. Part 5 of 6G

8:00 pm

National Parks: America's Best Idea"The Morning of Creation (1946-1980)"
Visitation to the parks reaches 62 million people annually in the years following World War II. A $1 billion campaign builds facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the visitors. Biologist Alfred Murie introduces the notion that predatory animals deserve the same protection as other wildlife in the parks. Unspoiled islands in Biscayne Bay become a national monument. President Jimmy Carter sets aside 56 million acres in Alaska. Wolves are re-established in Yellowstone. Part 6 of 6G

10:00 pm

National Parks: America's Best Idea"Great Nature (1933-1945)"
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) members during the Great Depression work on major renovation projects in the parks. NPS biologist George Melendez Wright pushes to reform wildlife policies. Congress narrowly approves Everglades National Park. During World War II, Roosevelt is pressured to open the parks to mining, grazing and lumbering. The president also is subjected to a storm of criticism for expanding Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming by accepting a gift of land from John D. Rockefeller Jr. Part 5 of 6G